Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are popular and adaptable perennials, prized for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms and ease of care. These resilient plants form dense clumps of arching foliage, providing reliable color throughout the summer months. As suburban and rural development continues to encroach on natural habitats, the presence of white-tailed deer in residential areas has become a common challenge for gardeners. This interaction raises a frequently asked question: do daylilies possess adequate natural defenses to withstand browsing deer? This article explores the complex answer, differentiating between classification and reality for the average gardener.
The General Rule of Daylily Resistance
Daylilies are often categorized by university extension services as “rarely damaged” plants, suggesting a degree of natural resistance to deer browsing. This classification stems from the theory that deer prefer plants with soft, tender foliage and avoid those with a tough texture or unpleasant taste. The leaves of Hemerocallis are relatively fibrous, and the plant contains chemical compounds that can render them bitter or unpalatable compared to a deer’s preferred menu items. The common orange daylily, Hemerocallis fulva, is sometimes noted as one of the varieties that deer tend to leave alone due to its specific chemical profile. A plant’s resistance is not an absolute barrier but rather a position on a preference scale, meaning they are usually low on the list when better food sources are available. However, many experienced gardeners find that daylilies, particularly the tender new cultivars, are frequently browsed, contradicting the general “resistant” label and highlighting the difference between theoretical classification and actual local feeding habits.
Factors That Override Deer Resistance
Several factors can quickly move daylilies from a resistant option to a preferred food source, leading to significant damage. The most common trigger is scarcity, as deer will consume nearly any plant when faced with extreme hunger, such as during severe drought or harsh winter conditions. Tender new growth, especially the shoots that emerge early in the spring, is highly vulnerable because it lacks the fibrous texture and concentrated bitter compounds of mature leaves. These new shoots are a readily available source of fresh green matter. Deer also show a particular fondness for the flower buds and blooms, often shearing them off cleanly before they open. When examining damage, a clean, ragged bite mark is generally indicative of deer browsing, as they lack lower incisors and must tear the plant material. Furthermore, individual deer herds can develop unique local preferences, sometimes acquiring a taste for a specific plant. Once a deer learns that daylilies are edible, it will return to them consistently, turning a theoretically resistant plant into a regular snack.
Practical Strategies for Protecting Daylilies
When deer pressure is high, relying solely on a plant’s natural resistance is often insufficient, making active protection strategies necessary. One effective method involves using taste-based or scent-based liquid repellents, which often contain ingredients like putrescent eggs, garlic, or capsaicin to create an offensive odor or flavor. These commercial products must be reapplied frequently, especially after rainfall or new growth emerges, to maintain a consistent deterrent effect. Physical barriers offer a reliable solution to prevent browsing entirely. A temporary enclosure using chicken wire or mesh netting can be placed around new plantings or vulnerable clumps during the spring and when buds are developing. Another approach is companion planting, which involves positioning strongly scented herbs like mint, bee balm, or lavender near the daylilies. The powerful aroma of these plants can help mask the scent of the daylily foliage and blooms, making them harder for deer to locate and less appealing to consume.